rraisley

I didn't even know that MB made rear side window sunshades until I read about the discontinued-for-2020 Sun Protection Package. Here in SC I /have/ to order the power rear window sunshade, but wish it came with the rear side window sunshades and additional sun visors of the Sun Protection Package. I'm considering an E450 vs BMW 540i, and this is one area where the Bimmer excels.

Does anyone know if rear side window sunshades can be purchased separately? Not the stick-on kind, but ones that work like the ones in the above package for the E? I assume they haven't changed the doors any, and something could be fitted. Anyhow, I'd like to know what is available for it.

TPAbnz

I too was disappointed about the loss of this option. Perhaps you could find 2017/18 rear door panels and associated parts in a yard?

ua549

That is one reason I bought the acoustic comfort package. There is no IR heat transfer through the glass which eliminates the need for those sight reducing roller blinds.

TPAbnz

I agree, in Florida you need the IR glass or rear side shades. I used the side shades all of the time in my previous MB.

rraisley

That sounds good, but the MB web site indicates only the windshield has IR-absorbing glass, and nothing is done with rear windows: "The windshield and front door windows are all laminated with an acoustic membrane. The windshield is also infrared-absorbing, helping to block outside noise and the sun's harsh rays."

2thfxr

If the front door windows are laminated, you cannot break the window with one of those emergency exit hammers. So plan for it!

ua549

My 2018 has IR protection in every piece of glass. All the windows are laminated with IR absorbing membrane. One cannot feel heat when direct sunlight is coming through a side window.

rraisley

That's great, but it appears either they changed it for 2019, or the description is wrong.

gearFX

Does anybody know why the 2020 wagons can no longer be configured with the Acoustic Comfort Package (which includes the insulated glass, etc.)? Will it be a late availability option (due to supplier issues)? My 2019 has it and just assumed the 2020 models would offer the same mix of packages. Seems strange for MB to omit this one.

rraisley

You can still get the Acoustic Comfort Package, but it is considered a Special Order option for 2020, and thus has an additional $250 special order fee. Therefore also it is not included on the web site configuration tool I ordered it on my 2020 wagon, and while the DOG describes the extra fee, my dealer did not include it in the order. It may be on the invoice, so we'll have to see.

gearFX

Thank you! If it's special order only, this probably explains why I don't see many (any?) 2020s equipped with the Acoustic Comfort Package in unsold inventory. I still wonder why MB relegated this option to special order only, but a cost-related reason wouldn't surprise me.

rraisley

Special order items usually mean the car must be moved away from the normal production line, causing additional handling costs, etc. And this is done to items that don't see that well or often. Even my dealer said " a Mercedes isn't quiet enough for you??"

CaptainE

I went to Sindlefingen last year and watched the cars being built and saw no cars diverted from the production line. The different glass would just be brought to the line in place of regular glass, and insulation added at the appropriate point too. There is little to no inefficiency in the build process.
Extra profit for little extra work is what I suspect.